January Recognized as Move Over Awareness Month in Florida
January is recognized as Move Over Awareness Month in Florida, highlighting a critical traffic safety law designed to protect first responders, roadside workers, and motorists stranded along busy roadways.
Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes away from emergency or service vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights. The law applies to law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, tow truck operators, utility workers, sanitation workers, and other authorized service vehicles.
When a lane change is not possible or when traveling on a two-lane roadway, drivers must reduce their speed. Motorists must slow to at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, or to 5 miles per hour if the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less.
The law exists because roadside workers and stranded drivers often operate just feet from moving traffic, placing them at extreme risk. According to traffic safety officials, many serious injuries and fatalities occur when drivers fail to move over or slow down while passing stopped vehicles with flashing lights.
Officials with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles emphasize that compliance with the Move Over Law is not only a legal requirement but a simple action that can save lives. A brief lane change or speed reduction can prevent devastating crashes and protect those working to keep Florida’s roads safe.
Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, anticipate roadside activity, and remember the message throughout January and beyond: move over when possible, slow down when you cannot, and help ensure everyone makes it home safely.
